The family of a trainee doctor, who was tragically raped and murdered at RG Kar Hospital in Kolkata, has leveled serious accusations against the West Bengal police, alleging that they have engaged in a cover-up. The family claims that the police acted to suppress the case by hastily cremating the doctor's body and attempting to bribe them to ensure silence.
The 32-year-old trainee doctor was killed on August 9, and her father has alleged that from the onset, the police obstructed their access to her body. The father described a distressing scenario where the family was kept waiting at the police station while the body underwent a post-mortem examination. After the examination, when the body was finally returned, a senior police official reportedly attempted to offer them money to discourage them from pursuing the case further—a bribe the family rejected outright.
This troubling turn of events led to heightened public outrage, prompting the involvement of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI took over the investigation after the Calcutta High Court intervened, seeking to ensure a more impartial and thorough inquiry into the crime.
The family's allegations have sparked widespread protests across Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal. On Wednesday night, the 'Reclaim the Night' campaign saw thousands of women taking to the streets, demanding justice for the victim and stronger measures to ensure women's safety. The victim's parents joined the protests, expressing their support for the junior doctors and activists fighting for justice.
In a legislative response to the growing public outcry, the West Bengal Assembly passed a landmark anti-rape bill on Tuesday. This bill proposes capital punishment for those convicted of rape if the victim dies or is left in a vegetative state, and mandates life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for other sexual offenders. The bill is seen as a significant step toward addressing the pervasive issue of sexual violence in the state.
Further complicating the situation, the CBI has also arrested Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, on charges related to alleged financial misconduct. This arrest underscores concerns about the administration of the hospital, which has faced criticism from student doctors for failing to address their demands for improved security measures.
As the investigation and legal proceedings continue, the case remains a critical focal point for discussions on justice, accountability, and the need for systemic reforms in handling such grave matters. The unfolding events highlight the ongoing struggle for transparency and fairness in addressing crimes of this nature.
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